In a matter of weeks, the build up to ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ will be upon us, with markets, mulled wine and merriment galore!
What better way to fully immerse yourself into the festive spirit than by seeing and enjoying the Christmas celebrations around the world?
With this in mind, flash sales provider for luxury travel, Secretescapes.com, has hand-picked some of its best and most festive deals around the world to get you excited for the season!
Latvia
Latvia, is apparently, the home of the first ever Christmas tree, erected in Riga in 1510, so rightfully so the Latvians celebrate Christmas with extravagance!
The Doma Laukums and Livu Laukums squares are lit every year with twinkling lights and filled by the aroma of mulled wine for the annual Christmas markets, a must see for any visitor seeking some seasonal cheer.
Riga recently topped a list of the best European Christmas markets and with its fairy tale like atmosphere, array of foodie temptations and handcrafted gifts we can see why!
Take a look at the kind of Latvian festive stays Secret Escapes has on offer this Christmas here
Paris
Think of a European festive scene and many would be transported to images of snow in the French capital. Not much else is able to beat sipping on mulled wine while browsing local stalls and filling up on traditional food – all in the twinkling light of the Eiffel tower, the symbol of the beautiful city.
The most famous festive market in Paris is the Champs Elysees Market – that brings in thousands of excited tourists and locals alike each year. This isn’t to lessen the authentic artisan produce that can be explored at Marché de Noel de Paris Notre Dame though!
Both markets offer buckets of Parisian charm and Christmas spectacle, all to the backdrop of the striking city’s landmarks and, on occasion, carols sung by a local French choir. Whatever kind of festive offering you are after Paris is likely to be able to fill you with Christmas cheer.
Fancy a Parisian Christmas? Have a browse at seasonal stays in Paris from Secret Escapes here
Hungary
If a chill in the air fills you with festive feeling, then a trip to Hungary this Christmas will certainly put you in the seasonal spirit. What better excuse to layer up in your cosiest winter wear, grab a mug of traditional piping Raspberry Schnapps and get out to explore the best of Hungary’s festive offerings?
Vorosmarty Square in Budapest hosts a centrally located annual Christmas market where the focus is on tradition; from goulash and dumplings to warm apple cider, you’ll find it all amongst the charming stalls.
The market is bordered by pop up cafes, craft beer houses, vintage shops and neighboured by an ice skating rink at St Stephens Balisca – providing plenty of festive fever throughout to make you fall in love with this country at wintertime.
Explore Hungary this Christmas with Secret Escapes here
New York
Christmas isn’t complete without cosying up to watch a festive film set to the backdrop of the infamous Christmas tree of The Rockefeller centre in central New York. Spend Christmas in your own film setting this year and experience the festive season like a true New Yorker.
From sledging in Central Park to visiting Santa in the Macey’s store, New York is transformed into a winter wonderland come December.
Pop up Christmas market stalls can be found decorating New York’s most popular subway stations with the bigger markets hitting Bryant Park and Union Square. Manhattan really does know how to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Spend the most wonderful time of the year in The Big Apple with stays from Secret Escapes here
